Council leaders across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire say Wessex should be allowed to press ahead with mayoral elections in 2027 following Government delays to devolution plans elsewhere.
They say the region has already completed its local government reorganisation and is ready to move forward. In a joint statement, they said they want Wessex to join other fully unitary areas preparing for mayoral polls in the same year.
The partnership warns the area risks being left behind, with analysis showing an estimated shortfall of £300m this year compared with regions that already have mayors. They also highlight the end of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in March twenty twenty six and no replacement funding for non-mayoral areas.
The councils say a mayoral authority would close the funding gap, support long-term economic growth and attract investment in sectors where Wessex already has national strengths.
Vikki Slade MP said the delays elsewhere raise questions about why Wessex was previously told it was not ready, adding that the missed funding amounts to about one hundred and sixty pounds per resident.
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